More than 130 federal agents and officers assigned to the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, Texas, responded to the shooting scene at WalMart last Saturday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“Our response was instantaneous … More than 135 CBP employees were there within minutes, providing tactical, medical, and peer support,” according to a statement released Thursday, which included a comment CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan made in a message video-taped for employees.
Border Patrol agents, officers who work at the ports of entry, elite agents from Border Patrol’s Search, Trauma, and Rescue and Tactical Units, as well as Air and Marine Operations all descended on the scene to assist El Paso police Saturday morning.
Border Patrol, which is located a matter of miles from the scene of the attack, was on site within “minutes” of the first gunshots. An existing active shooter response team carried out building sweeps and set up a perimeter around the area. Employees from other agencies took to the skies in helicopters to survey the scene.
“In the searing 100-plus degree temperatures and high humidity, they provided medical support, perimeter security, and support to local law enforcement to secure the scene and ensure public safety,” CBP wrote.
Donna Sifford, director of CBP’s Marcelino Serna/Tornillo port of entry, was off-duty and inside the store shopping on the tax-free weekend when she heard shots ring out. A non-law enforcement shopper credited her jumping into action with saving his life.
“We heard the gunshots happening,” Sifford told CNN in a recent interview. “We were trying to get as many people as we could out. We were just in ‘go mode.’ I just did exactly what CBP taught me to do.”
“Vigilance does not stop when your shift ends or when you take off your uniform,” Morgan said. “It’s not just about the people we work with; it’s about our families, friends, and community. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by these horrific events.”
Twenty-two people were killed and 24 wounded in what the FBI has called a domestic terrorism attack. Five of those killed were family members of CBP employees.
“This horrific, hate-fueled attack was profoundly personal for us,” said Morgan. Approximately 3,600 CBP employees work in the El Paso region.
